Biological Sciences (MS)

The Master of Science in Biological Sciences is a research intensive program designed to address one of the most important topics of our times. The program's goal is to train students for scientific careers focused on biomedicine, including understanding the aging process as well as detecting, preventing, and treating age- and metabolic-related conditions.

Students in this program will be trained as scientists in interdisciplinary research encompassing genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, environmental sciences and disciplines of biotechnology, including genomics, proteomics, protein interaction networks, and bio-informatics.

Studies conducting research at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging cover a diverse range of fields related to geroscience (aging). Students conducting research at BioMarin can expect to get experience in biomedical research with a greater focus on product development and immediate practical application. Alternatively, students can apply to do research with a Dominican faculty members in such areas as: stem-cells and breast cancer.

Research conducted by the students in the Master’s of Biological Sciences program is structured around a thesis project. A research proposal is submitted by the end of the second semester and evaluated to make sure that it meets the standards of the program and that the proposed research is a feasible project for a Master’s thesis. Upon completion of the program, each student submits a formal written thesis manuscript and gives an oral presentation of their findings open to faculty, students, and guests. The written thesis and presentation are reviewed and evaluated by an advisory committee that includes their advisor and a faculty member (usually from Dominican University of California).

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

1. Demonstrate a deep knowledge of a specific area of biological science.
2. Communicate scientific ideas effectively in both oral and written formats.
3. Solve problems through critical thinking, inquiry, and analysis.
4. Design appropriate experiments to address a particular question.
5. Conduct original research in a biological discipline and report on the results at a professional level.
6. Demonstrate readiness for further study or employment in discipline-related areas.

Biological Sciences (MS) Requirements

1. Completion of 36 units of the program, with a minimum grade of a 'B' or Pass within four years of matriculation.
2. Completion of an original research thesis approved by the two members of the student’s graduate committee including thesis (research) supervisor and an additional faculty member selected in consultation with the advisor and the department chair.
3. Successful completion of both a written and oral presentation of their research.
4. Presentation of research findings at a national/international conference and/or publication in a peer-reviewed journal is strongly encouraged.

The program will be taught by faculty in the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics or adjunct faculty from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Transfer credits of 3-6 units may be accepted for students who have completed graduate level courses at another accredited institution.

Required Courses

BIO 5001	Graduate Seminar I	1.00 unit
BIO 5002	Graduate Seminar II	1.00 unit
BIO 5003	Graduate Seminar III	1.00 unit
BIO 5004	Graduate Seminar IV	1.00 unit
BIO 5100	Graduate Research Methodology	3.00 units
BIO 5200	Advanced Molecular Biotechnology	3.00 units
BIO 5300	Advanced Biochemistry	3.00 units
BIO 5402	Graduate Special Topics: Biological Sciences	3.00 units
BIO 5901	Master's Thesis	3.00 units
BIO 5701	Graduate Research I	5.00 units
BIO 5702	Graduate Research II	5.00 units
BIO 5703	Graduate Research III	5.00 units
BIO 5704	Graduate Research IV	2.00 units
	and/or
BIO 5994	Graduate Teaching Assistant: Biological Sciences	1.00 unit

Total Credit Hours: 36